Rifling through The Economist magazine the other day, I came across a very interesting article on the success of the economy and of inequality measures in France under President Emanuel Macron.
I will quote liberally from it:
More companies in the global top 100 than any other European country
The euro zone’s most valuable bank BNP Paribas
More patents registered in 2022 than the average of its big European neighbors
Home to more than 25 tech “unicorns” (unlisted tech firms worth more than $1 billion)
A poverty rate well below the average of its European neighbors
Life expectancy six years longer than in the U.S.
Lowest jobless rate in 15 years, at 6.9%
Compulsory free education from the age of three
All this despite the Macron government not raising taxes and spending more on social services. The reasons: good infrastructure and housing, cheap childcare, abundant energy and stability (yes) among other factors.
France does have its problems. Which country doesn’t? But as the article points out, it is in much better shape than perhaps the New York Times would have you believe. Maybe that is why so many Americans are coming over.
kmazz 
I hope the Americans who plan to “go over” wait until after they have voted against Trump and any Republican on the ballot in November 2024.
We can vote absentee from here, Mary.
I know and I count
Thanks for the info. Despite the differences of values and views of life that people of France hold, there seems to be a stronger sense of social responsibility in the country and one that is lacking in many countries including the USA.
In some ways, Macron doesn’t seem French, does he. Could that explain his domestic unpopularity?
I don’t think so. They never like their Presidents. Macron is doing pretty well for France.
Is this a good thing? I mean packs of Americans fleeing to France???
Sent from my iPhone
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Carol Ann, maybe they’ll fill up some of France’s dead villages.
The NYT absolutely does have a stick up its butt about France—!
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Interesting information; it helps shift fears about European economy. Glad France is showing the way. Thanks for sharing, Kathleen.
All those facts from The Economist show that, while things are not perfect, things are not too bad here in France. Too bad the national sport is to “râler” (grumble and complain). There is bureaucracy everywhere, just heard my foreign friend who lives in the states tell me apalling stories about inefficiency in the States regarding green card requests, incredibly slow processes, etc. If you already have citizenship, you tend not to notice these things…
Hi Kathleen
Thanks for your email and the information regarding life in France under Macron. I was surprised by the data indicating a strong focus quality of life. Hopefully you are feeling the benefits.
I hope by now the temperature has decreased and being in Nice is comfortable. Our August has been abnormally cool but without much rain so it was good dog-walking weather.
We are all fine here. Not much news other than living our daily lives and spending time with grandchildren. Last weekend we attended an Ismali Muslim wedding of the daughter of a couple whose wedding we attended 30 years ago. The mom who I hired when she was 21 to work in the Dental Department of one of UBC’s teaching hospitals that at the time I was head of. We attended the Henna party Friday eve and the wedding Sunday eve. Both events were wonderful and full of traditions and celebrations. I have always felt as I have learned about the religions active in the world, that the basic foundations are very similar and in many ways identical. Unfortunately this wisdom doesn’t seem to have been the guiding force creating peace and harmony in the world.
Keep in touch.
All the best Bruce
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